How To Make Homemade Cat Food

Want To Make Homemade Cat Food?

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Making homemade cat food can be a daunting endeavor. While there are hundreds of dog food recipes online, it seems that the small amount of resources that offer homemade cat food recipes have conflicting information on what should and should not be included in your cat’s diet. Making your own cat food is not something you can simply dive into, but if you are interested in taking the first few steps, here is what you need to know.

Avoid The Following Ingredients

There are a lot of websites out there boasting homemade cat food and treat recipes, but sometimes, they may include herbs or other ingredients that can be potentially harmful or lethal to your cat. We have a list of human foods that are toxic to cats, and here are a few more ingredients that should not make it into your cat’s food:

Garlic

Grapes

Onions

Raisins

Raw egg whites

Tomatoes

Cats Need Meat

You might be vegan, but your cat cannot be. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat in their diets in order to stay healthy. Most experts agree that cats can have animal protein in the form of chicken – or other poultry, beef pork, rabbit, fish, or liver. Liver is especially important, as it has a high vitamin A content, a vitamin cats cannot produce on their own.

Make Sure The Calcium To Phosphorus Ratio Is Right

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This may sound like gibberish, but it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Calcium and phosphorus are minerals essential to a cat’s health. Calcium builds up your cat’s bones, and it also plays a critical role in muscle control and ion balance. Cats need phosphorus to repair their tissues and cells. Combined, the two strengthen your cat’s bones and teeth.

Many store bought cat food provides this balance in the form of ground up bone meal. If choosing to by bone meal, make sure it is of high quality. Some bone meal is used for gardening, and this will not give your cat the proper nutrition she needs. Some people who have been making their own cat food for years grind their own bone meal as well. If you don’t elect to use bone meal, you can use eggshell powder instead. Mixed in with meat, eggshell powder provides your cat with the same nutrition as if they were eating bone meal.

Try Out A Simple Recipe To Start

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Many people who choose to give their cats homemade cat food will make large batches of food at a time. Unless you are ready to dedicate yourself 100% from the get-go, it might be a good idea to try a simple recipe or two to start. This recipe from Savvy Homemade is an excellent place to start.

Chunky Meat and Rice Cat Food

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground meat (chicken, beef, lamb or turkey are fine)

1/4 cup whole brown rice (optional)

1 large hard-boiled egg

4 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup chicken stock

Instructions:

Mash the boiled egg.

Place all the ingredients into a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium-low heat.

When the stock is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the stock reduces. The rice will expand and swell and absorb much of the liquid.

Remove your home made cat food mixture from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Blend the mixture in a food processor until all the ingredients are mashed together.

Place into an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Consult Your Vet

Before committing your cat to a homemade diet with every recipe you find online, talk to your vet. See if your cat has any special dietary needs or vitamin deficiencies so you can work them into your cat’s diet. A homemade cat food diet can work wonders for your kitty’s health, but it is crucial to study up to make sure you are giving your cat everything she needs to stay healthy and happy.